
Quick Spicy Cajun Chicken Pasta
This single-pan miracle has saved my evening meals countless times. When juicy chicken chunks meet pasta soaked in fiery cream sauce, nobody waits for a dinner call. The greatest thing? Everything cooks together, cutting my cleanup time way down. My folks think I've slaved away for this rich, restaurant-worthy dinner, but it's actually done in half an hour. The magic happens when those bold Cajun seasonings melt into the creamy sauce while your pasta bubbles away.
My Ultimate Cozy Dish
I stumbled on this dish during those insanely hectic weeks when I needed tasty but fast suppers. It's now our top pick for soul-warming food. The way the pasta drinks up all those zesty Cajun flavors while simmering in the sauce is amazing. There's a special kind of kitchen alchemy that happens when it all mingles in that one pot, creating the silkiest, most flavor-packed sauce you can imagine.

What You Need
- Green Onions: These fresh toppers make your dish look fancy
- Olive Oil and Butter: For sautéing and extra flavor depth
- Yellow Onion: Brings just the right touch of sweetness
- Cream Cheese: This makes your sauce incredibly velvety
- Chicken Broth: Adds more taste than plain water would
- Fire Roasted Tomatoes: They pack extra flavor, but standard diced ones work too
- Cajun Spices: My custom blend with paprika, oregano, thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne and black pepper
- Penne Pasta: Those little grooves trap all the tasty sauce
- Chicken: Use boneless skinless breasts or thighs cut into small chunks
Common Recipe Questions
- → How spicy is it?
This uses just a bit of cayenne, so the heat is mild. Feel free to tweak the levels for more or less kick. Extra spice can always be added at the table.
- → Can I swap the pasta shape?
Sure! Try options like ziti, fusilli, or rotini. Just keep a similar cooking time and ensure there’s enough liquid for the pasta to absorb.
- → What can I put instead of cream cheese?
You can switch it out for heavy cream or half-and-half. For something lighter, stir in some Greek yogurt once the heat is off.
- → Is this good to make ahead?
It’s best fresh, as the pasta soaks up sauce while sitting. If prepping in advance, add a little cream or broth when reheating to keep it creamy.
- → How should I store leftovers?
Seal leftovers in a container and store in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently with a splash of milk or broth for the best texture.